Ultimate 11-Day South Island Adventure in New Zealand Itinerary

Start your day with breakfast at Blue Lake Eatery & Bar. Then, depart for the stunning Lake Tekapo. En route, make a stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.

Enjoy a lakeside lunch at The Landing Restaurant & Bar. Afterward, visit the Mt. John Observatory for a unique stargazing experience or simply relax by the tranquil waters of Lake Tekapo.

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Paulina's Bar, known for its local flavors. Consider taking a night walk to enjoy the clear, starry skies for which Lake Tekapo is famous.

Have breakfast at Redcliff Cafe before embarking on a scenic drive to the majestic Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. En route, stop at the Lake Pukaki viewpoint for awe-inspiring photos.

Arrive at the park and enjoy a delicious lunch at The Ranch Bar & Grill. Afterward, take a hike on one of the park's many trails, such as the Hooker Valley Track or the Kea Point Track, to witness the alpine beauty up close.

Relax and dine at the Mt. Cook Hermitage Hotel [2375], savoring the flavors while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Begin with a nourishing breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar. Then, set out to explore the Tasman Glacier (Haupapa), one of the park's most iconic features. You can choose to take a guided glacier hike or opt for a scenic flight to witness the grandeur from above.

Refuel with a lunch at The Ranch Bar & Grill. Spend your afternoon at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, learning about the pioneering spirit of the famous mountaineer and the history of the region.

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, located in nearby Queenstown. Indulge in a buffet-style meal with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu.

Wake up in the adventure capital of New Zealand and grab breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar. Kick off your day with an adrenaline-pumping activity such as bungy jumping at the Kawarau Bridge or a jet boat ride on the Shotover River.

After your heart-racing morning, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Portobello Hotel & Bistro. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming Arrowtown, an old gold mining town with a rich history. You can also visit the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement to learn about the area's Chinese immigrant history.

For dinner, experience the vibrant dining scene of Queenstown at Giants Bar & Restaurant. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll along the Queenstown Gardens and enjoy the views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Have an early breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar before embarking on a full-day excursion to the world-renowned Milford Sound. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Fiordland National Park and make stops at key viewpoints such as the Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a cruise to witness the towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the unique wildlife of the fiord. Lunch will be provided on the cruise, allowing you to dine amidst the stunning natural beauty.

Return to Queenstown in the evening and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at odd saint, a restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and eclectic atmosphere.

Start your day with breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar. Then, set off on a wine-tasting adventure in the nearby Central Otago region. Visit renowned wineries such as Amisfield and Chard Farm to sample some of the finest local vintages.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning landscapes of Central Otago. Afterward, if you're feeling adventurous, take a guided 4WD tour to explore the rugged backcountry and hidden gems of the region.

Return to Queenstown and dine at Yonder, a restaurant that celebrates local produce and flavors. After dinner, unwind with a cocktail at one of the town's lively bars or enjoy a serene evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Enjoy breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar before departing for the picturesque town of Wanaka. En route, take a short hike to the Rob Roy Glacier or visit the historic Cardrona Hotel for a taste of the region's gold rush past.

Arrive in Wanaka and have lunch at The Ranch Bar & Grill. Spend your afternoon exploring the town, visiting attractions such as Puzzling World or simply relaxing by the serene Lake Wanaka.

Dine at The Landing Restaurant & Bar and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps taking a twilight stroll along the lakefront.

Begin with a satisfying breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar. Then, depart for the famous Franz Josef Glacier. En route, take a break at the Haast Pass and admire the stunning alpine scenery.

Upon reaching Franz Josef, have lunch at The Ranch Bar & Grill. Afterward, visit the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools for a relaxing soak surrounded by rainforest. If time allows, take a guided hike to explore the glacier's unique features.

Dine at The Landing Restaurant & Bar and reflect on the day's adventures. Consider joining a twilight kiwi tour to spot the iconic native bird in its natural habitat.

Enjoy breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar before heading to the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef. Spend the morning learning about the unique flora and fauna of the region, including the rare and endangered Rowi Kiwi.

For lunch, savor the flavors of the coast at The Ranch Bar & Grill. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe, where you'll walk among the ancient trees and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Return to Franz Josef for dinner at The Landing Restaurant & Bar. As the day winds down, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the West Coast and the experiences you've had during your journey.

Enjoy a final breakfast at The Landing Restaurant & Bar and take a moment to reflect on your incredible journey through the South Island. Depending on your departure time, you may have a few hours to revisit a favorite spot or pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

As you bid farewell to the South Island, carry with you the memories of its stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring this remarkable part of the world. Safe travels, and may the spirit of New Zealand stay with you always.